A group of 70 overseas students from Shanghai Jiao Tong University visit the neighboring city of Shaoxing in Zhejiang province on April 22 and 23. [Photo provided to study-shanghai.org]

A group of 70 overseas students from Shanghai Jiao Tong University took a trip to Shaoxing, Zhejiang province on April 22 and 23 to learn a bit more about its profound culture.

The students first visited the Orchid Pavilion on April 22, one of the four great pavilions in China where ancient artist Wang Xizhi (303-361) handed down his masterpiece Lanting Xu, or Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Poem Collections.

Aside from the tranquil landscape, the students tried their hands at writing some simple Chinese characters, as well learning the pictographic meaning lying behind them.

Students from Shanghai Jiao Tong University pose for a photo while hiking up the mountain in Shaoxing. [Photo provided to study-shanghai.org]

They paid a visit to the East Lake scenic spot on April 23. As one of the three major lakes in Zhejiang, East Lake boasts ingenious and exquisite landscapes including steep cliffs, grottoes, and stone bridges that cast beautiful reflections with each other. In twos and threes, the students hiked up the mountain or canoed in black-awning boats.

At the former residence of Lu Xun, a native and iconic modern writer, the students got a better understanding of the master's life story, as well as the various local customs and practices from that age.

They were then treated with fermented bean curd, a special local snack that is best known for its strong smell, but the unique taste also brought the students irresistible delight.

Finally, they visited the China Yellow Rice-Wine Museum, the first of its kind featuring the yellow rice-wine culture and industry. The students not only had a taste of the local specialty, but also enjoyed the brewing process that has been passed down for centuries.

Students from Shanghai Jiao Tong University sample choudoufu, a fermented bean curd best known for its strong smell and unique taste. [Photo provided to study-shanghai.org]